Heat Wave Causes Power Outages For Some

This summer's first heat wave has caused about 27 households in Glen Cove to lose power, the Long Island Power Authority reported Wednesday. 

The outages, LIPA representatives said, are caused by extra stress on LIPA's electricial distribution system, because residents tend to use more power when hot weather hits. 

LIPA said it is currently working to restore power to its customers, but insists that it has an adequate supply to meet the increased demands for electricty during the summer scorcher. The company serves 11,385 customers in the city. 

The National Weather Service issued another heat advisory for the city on Wednesday and it will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Temperatures, weather officials said, are expected to hit just above 100 degrees in the afternoon and dwindle down to about 72 degrees by 9 p.m.

City officials announced Tuesday that they designated Glen Cove Senior Center as a cooling station until the heat wave ends. Mayor Ralph Suozzi said senior citizens, residents without access to an air conditioner and anyone who does not have a place to stay cool can visit the center until 8 p.m.  

LIPA officials said residents can also follow these tips to help conserve energy during the heat wave:  

-Put air conditioners on timers so they are not used when no one is home.

-Keep air conditioners at 78 degrees.

-Use fans to circulate cool air from air conditioners.

-Run major appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers during non-peak hours of early morning and evenings.

-Clean filters and maintain air conditioning units.

- Improve the ventilation in your attic — with the help of an extraction fan, for example — to help lower the temperature of the entire house, and make the air conditioner's job much easier.

To report a power outage to LIPA, call 800-490-0075.